13 Must See Shops 

Chantilly Lace (@chantillylacebonnyville), Bonnyville 

This gift and clothing store in the heart of downtown carries the latest in designer womenswear, lingerie and gifts for men and women. Layered black tunics and patterned sweaters are great for every day. Silver sequin midi and lace frill dresses are simply gorgeous blends of vintage glam and modern elegance. Check for store hours, as Tuesday and Friday are by appointment only.  

Shaw House at Vezeau Beach (@shawhousevisitorcentre), Bonnyville

The seasonally open Shaw House, a stunning new visitor centre, has a gift shop with unique pieces from more than a dozen local vendors. Walk proudly with a Leon Mercier walking stick or cook over open fire with a wiener stick. Pick up items such as Backroad Farmhouse Coffee, Mudpie Pottery, Indigenous Sage & Spice candles, funky and authentic looking fish cushions, towels, Coreen Izzard hats, homemade Beading by Ali and True Mixed Creations. 

The Rustic Trunk (@therustictrunk), Cold Lake 

This beautifully displayed shop is full of an array of interesting items, such as candles, faux flower displays, blankets and dishes. It has home décor, primarily, but some things, like purses, come in and are nabbed quickly, so watch its Facebook page for updates. Glassware, linens and décor changes seasonally. Rustic Trunk also stocks incredible preserves, from St. Paul restaurant Twisted Fork. 

Ella’s Closet (@ellascoldlake), Cold Lake  

For embroidered denim, pink faux fur and suede jackets and other distinctive finds, head to Ella’s Closet in Cold Lake. The store also has shoes, purses, accessories and many brands of activewear, and other gently used donations. Ella’s Closet is a fundraising outlet for all registered charities, schools and nonprofits in Cold Lake, so when you buy something, the proceeds go to one of these places. Look good and feel good, too! 

The Crowbar Boutique (@crowbarboutique), St. Paul 

This shop on Main Street between H&R Block and Fields is a trove of unique finds for women including dresses, blouses, sweaters, loungewear, activewear, footwear and bottoms such as leggings and jeans. Its sweaters are stunning. It’s a passion for mother and daughter duo Bailee Ayotte and Maureen Kruesel to help women dress and accessorize to flatter. The boutique also has local home décor and florals from Westcove Treasures, pottery and mugs from Sharon Richardson and Sunless Tanning.  

Storch Knives (@storchknives), Mannville  

Over almost 65 years, which is as long as he’s been making them, Ed Storch’s knives have become coveted by professional chefs worldwide. Yes, he was 12 or so when he started. Buffalo horn steak knives of jigged bone and buffalo horn are exquisite. Choose from striking kitchen or fillet knives or intricate hunting or silver or yellow brass Damascus knives. Contact him via Instagram or online to stop in at the shop or for custom orders before visiting.  

Straight and Arrow Boutique (@straightandarrowboutique), Plamondon 

This elegant women’s clothing “studio” is unusually set on a little hobby farm a kilometre south of Plamondon, Alberta, and 2.5 hours northeast of Edmonton. They aim to fit your life and style with a casual, relaxed atmosphere that sells quality clothing that keeps you real. Try things such as big, cozy coatigans and sweater dresses. The store also has candles with different scents as well as gift cards for giftees to buy something online. Keep an eye on Instagram for pop up events held in surrounding towns such as St. Paul. 

Westcove Treasures (@westcovetreasures), St. Paul

This online store has amazing faux floral arrangements, wreaths, and home décor. Debbie pours her heart into every creation, often from her secret garden. Wreaths are created with such things as Bali dried Eucalyptus and grass or dried gold willow or sunflowers. Potpourri selections include stunning combinations such as lemon zest and thyme or forbidden flowers. She ships across Canada but locals can order online to pick up at The Crowbar Boutique. Follow @westcovetreasures for design tips and tricks. 

Envy Boutique (@envyboutiqueveg), Vegreville 

This modern looking place in town has all kinds of tops and bottoms, accessories and giftware and regular sales for the discerning shopper. Look for jumpsuits and rompers as well as belts, glasses and socks. They also have menswear such as tees, shirts and hoodies. Check out its online clearance rack for greatly reduced prices. 

Underground Gallery & Gifts, Craig’s Cornerstone Ltd. (@craigscornerstoneltd), Vermilion

These next four places are unusual in that they are all distinct businesses, but they are all located in Craig’s Cornerstone in Vermilion. Craig’s is made up of six shops in one modernized place in what used to be three 100 year old buildings. Underground Gallery & Gifts has amazing art pieces and handmade goods from local artists.

Harbrook and Paisley, (@harbrookandpaisely (sic)), Craig’s Cornerstone Ltd., Vermilion 

Harbrook and Paisley sells footwear, accessories and standout handbags. Roamer and Cougar boots come in all kinds of styles and colours. 

Uniquely U Styles (@uniquelyustyles.myshopify.com), Craig’s Cornerstone Ltd., Vermilion 

Uniquely U Styles is a 5000 sq ft women’s clothes shop with formal and casual wear. Besides endless options of wear, including gorgeous sweaters, it offers a wide range of carefully curated ladies’ apparel, beautiful scarves, and statement making jewelry. 

Burnt Rock Adventure Co. (@burntrockadventureco), Craig’s Cornerstone Ltd., Vermilion

Outdoorsy types must head just down the street to Burnt Rock Adventure Co. It has all kinds of paddle crafts, bikes, skateboards, camping gear and the apparel and footwear to go with those activities. If it’s paddling weather, Burnt Rock can set you up with rentals for paddling on the nearby river too.